“The problem we face as mothers is we cannot hold on to both fear and faith simultaneously.” -Lee Nienhuis
As we were preparing to take our 2 girls on their first missions trip to Nicaragua, I had been reading the book Brave Moms, Brave Kids by Lee Nienhuis. It reminded me that how I respond to situations directly impacts my family, and if I want to raise brave kids, I need to pay attention to the example that I’m setting. Walking into the unknown on a mission’s trip can either stretch my faith or foster fear.
Fear says, “Why would you risk taking your children to a foreign country?”
Faith says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Fear says, “Don’t touch anything, you have no idea what germs are lurking there!”
Faith says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” So yes, we helped people at the city dump sort through the garbage to collect recyclable items so they could earn money to buy food.
Fear says, “Save the money you’d spend on the trip and donate it instead so y
ou don’t have to sacrifice physical comfort.”
Faith says, “Go and be Jesus’ hands and feet to the lost and hurting and share with them the Hope and Good News of the Gospel so they know they aren’t forgotten.”
This missions trip radically changed us. We served food to children knowing it was the only meal they would receive that day. We traveled with 4 teens from Managua who in the natural have no earthly possessions to speak of, but they radiate the love of Jesus and they spend their weekends telling others about God’s love because they’ve discovered that’s the true secret to contentment.
I have no idea of the impact we had while we were in Nicaragua, but I know the impact that the Nicaraguans have had on us. We will never be the same, and I was blessed to have a front row seat to witness it!
It seems so little that which we take to the mission field. And you’re absolutely right, Laurie, we are impacted as we go; and as we interact with the people. On the other hand, that which has been orchestrated by God always touches the heart of the ones to whom you minister, and your touch leaves a forever imprint on their lives. In the midst of their most dreadful times ~ somehow, they remember that initial moment when “that missionary person” touched, smiled hugged, or prayed with them. And it becomes their strength in that moment. Keep soaking in the memories.
Thanks so much for the blog post. Really thank you! Awesome. Christopher Rettele